The Arrival of the Fat Police

There is a  U.S. Preventive Services Task Force? Lionel comments on their latest recommendation on people with high BMI's and the effect of the Obamacare ruling. Lionel states that soon overweight will have no choice but to lose weight or else.

Supreme Oxymorons

Paul Jacob on the Orwellian Supreme Court ruling on Obamacare: Supreme Oxymorons

A Distinction Without a Difference

Peter Schiff comments on the horrendus Supreme Court Affordable Care Act decision. Schiff states that the current penalty for not buying insurasnce is so low that people won't buy insurance, especially since there is no mechanism to collect penalty. With the provision requiring that insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions, people will just wait to buy insurance until they need it.

Two wrongs do not make a right. The fine for not buying health insurance is not a tax, its a penalty. And even if it is a tax, its unconstitutional anyway, as its a direct tax that must be apportioned. The Supreme Court is wrong twice.

Gary Johnson and Ron Paul Comment on the Affordable Care Act Decision

The reactions from Gary Johnson and Ron Paul to the Supreme Courts Affordable Care Act decision:

GOV. GARY JOHNSON CALLS SCOTUS HEALTH CARE RULING AN “INCREDIBLE BLOW TO BEDROCK PRINCIPLES”

June 28 2012, Santa Fe, NM – Libertarian presidential nominee and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s health care ruling:

“It has been clear for a while that we need a new President and a new Congress. Now it appears we need a new Supreme Court.

“Whether the Court chooses to call the individual mandate a tax or anything else, allowing it to stand is a truly disturbing decision. The idea that government can require an individual to buy something simply because that individual exists and breathes in America is an incredible blow to the bedrock principles of freedom and liberty. It must be repealed, and Congress needs to get about doing so today.

“There is one thing we know about health care. Government cannot create a system that will reduce costs while increasing access. Only competition and the price transparency that competition will bring can accomplish the imperatives of affordability and availability. Whether it is the President’s plan or the Republican prescription drug benefit, the idea that anyone in Washington can somehow manage one of the most essential and substantial parts of both our quality of life and the economy is, and always has been, fundamentally wrong.

“We can never know how many Americans are out of work today because of the uncertainty the monstrous health care law has caused. The Court has done nothing to remove that burden.

“Nothing about today’s decision changes the basic reality that it is impossible to eliminate deficit spending and remove the smothering consequences of federal debt without dramatically reducing the costs of Medicare and Medicaid. And neither the Democrats nor the Republicans have given the slightest hint of willingness to do so.”

Congressman Ron Paul issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's decision to uphold most of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

"I strongly disagree with today’s decision by the Supreme Court, but I am not surprised. The Court has a dismal record when it comes to protecting liberty against unconstitutional excesses by Congress.

"Today we should remember that virtually everything government does is a 'mandate.' The issue is not whether Congress can compel commerce by forcing you to buy insurance, or simply compel you to pay a tax if you don’t. The issue is that this compulsion implies the use of government force against those who refuse. The fundamental hallmark of a free society should be the rejection of force. In a free society, therefore, individuals could opt out of “Obamacare” without paying a government tribute.

"Those of us in Congress who believe in individual liberty must work tirelessly to repeal this national health care law and reduce federal involvement in healthcare generally. Obamacare can only increase third party interference in the doctor-patient relationship, increase costs, and reduce the quality of care. Only free market medicine can restore the critical independence of doctors, reduce costs through real competition and price sensitivity, and eliminate enormous paperwork burdens. Americans will opt out of Obamacare with or without Congress, but we can seize the opportunity today by crafting the legal framework to allow them to do so."

Eric Holder Attorney at Flaw or Executive Privilege is Okay When We Invoke It

Jon Stewart examines the Fast and Furious gun running program and the hypocrisy of both Democrats and Republicans on the use of Executive Privilege.

The Daily Show
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The Daily Show
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

What is the Cost of the Drug War?

The Drug War is 41 years old, started by Richard Nixon in 1971. Ever wonder what it costs and if it's worth it? This video done in 2011 covers how much this losing war costs us.

From FEE (The Foundation for Economic Education):

Sheldon Richman once wrote "For years advocates of free trade in drugs—that is, basic rights to life, liberty, and property for drug consumers, producers, and merchants—have pointed out that prohibition, in addition to being an immoral invasion of liberty by the State, sets in motion a variety of concrete evils that harm innocent people. These evils include the corruption of law enforcement, violent crime, and the expansion of intrusive government. Besides these domestic evils, the U.S. government has alienated farmers in foreign lands by helping to destroy their crops and livelihoods. If that’s not terrorism, nothing is."

Government Subsidized Bikes

These popped up in St. Paul, Minnesota about a month ago.

From ReasonTV:

Capital Bikeshare, which rents bikes at more than 165 outdoor stations in the Washington D.C. area, serves highly educated and affluent whites.

There's nothing wrong with that, of course, except that the program has received $16 million in government subsidies, including over $1 million specifically earmarked to "address the unique transportation challenges faced by welfare recipients and low-income persons seeking to obtain and maintain employment."

The program is part of a recent explosion in taxpayer-subsidized bike rental services, which have also hit the streets of Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston , Denver, Boulder, Houston, Minneapolis, Broward, Madison, Omaha, San Antonio, and Des Moines.

Capital Bikeshare's latest user survey finds that 95 percent of its regular patrons have college degrees, 53 percent have a Masters or Ph.D., and 80 percent are white. Fully 0 percent have only a high school diploma and just 7 percent make less than $25,000 a year. More than 90 percent were employed and 14 percent reported they were college students, suggesting that very few welfare recipients are using the service.

Capital Bikeshare is run by Portland-based Alta Planning + Design in partnership with four jurisdictions: Alexandria, VA; Arlington, VA; Montgomery County, MD; and the District of Columbia. So far, the program has received $15.9 million[*] in state, local, and federal subsidies.

Why are affluent, educated, and employed whites riding taxpayer-subsidized bikes?

ReasonTV Correspondent Kennedy investigates.

[*]: Government funding for Capital Bikeshare is collected separately by each jurisdiction, and breaks down as follows: District of Columbia ($10.3 million), Montgomery County ($3.1 million), Arlington ($1.9 million), and Alexandria ($600 thousand).

Iraqi Christians Suffer Tragically 'After 2003' — Unintended Consequences of the Senseless Iraq War

After the US overthrew Saddam Hussein, Iraqi Christians became targets.

Iraqi Christians Suffer Tragically 'After 2003' — Gee, What Happened in 2003?

A Vote For Freedom Is Never Wasted

The latest Gary Johnson video:

Two-term Governor, Gary Johnson, says the only wasted vote is the one that keeps us trapped in the RepubliCrat cycle of war and reckless spending election after election. Both parties bring the same results: Bigger government and less freedom. It's time to put our differences and our parties aside and come together as a nation for the good of all. We The People are ready to LIVE FREE.

Hidden message at 1:37.

Should the Government Mandate Labeling?

Julie Borowski makes the case to oppose the mandatory labeling of food containing GMO's ( genetically modified foods).

Libertarians should be opposed to government mandates forcing food companies to label genetically modified foods. We should support the free market and getting the government out of the food industry. Let's not give more power to the FDA. Many companies already voluntarily label food containing no genetically modified ingredients.

"The federal government lacks constitutional authority to mandate labeling of products containing genetically-modified food. Furthermore, those who do not wish to consume genetically-modified products should be leery of federally-mandated labeling because history shows that federal regulatory agencies are susceptible to 'capture,' where the regulators end up serving the interest of the business they are supposed to control. In the case of labeling, federal agencies could redefine the meaning of 'modified' to allow genetically-engineered food on the market without fully-informing consumers of the presence of genetically- engineered ingredients. Instead of federal regulation, consumers should demand that manufactures provide full information and refuse to buy those products that are not fully labeled. Once producers see there is a demand for non-genetically-engineered products they will act to fulfill that demand. Of course, makers of genetically-engineered food should be held legally responsible if they fraudulently market their products or harm anyone"- Ron Paul.

Job Creators

The Broken Window Fallacy Explained

The Broken Window Fallacy is one of the most persistent economic fallacies, currently espoused by Paul Krugman. Krugman is a Nobel-Prize winner for economics, but then again Barack Obama is a Nobel-Prize winner for peace.

Half a Billion Dollars to Sell the Pentagon Version of the Wars

The Pentagon spends $500 million dollars per year to influence the media to present the official line on America's wars. By and large the mainstream media complies with reporting what the Pentagon tells them. Of course, the mainstream generally regurgitates government press releases.

Pat Tillman killed by enemy fire? We now know that isn't true. Think American troops are out of Iraq? Think again.

Comparison of Obama and Romney Positions

How different are Obama and Romney's positions on the issues? This video compares statements by Obama and Romney on universal health care, gun rights, energy, NDAA, the Patriot Act, Iran, sanctions, economic stimulus. bank and auto bailouts, civil rights, TARP, the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, Tim Geithner and more. It appears there is not much difference, both love big government.



There is only one real choice for limited government and for individual rights in 2012:

Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson Interviewed by NPR

Gary Johnson was interviewed by Michel Martin on NPR on June 21, 2012.

Climbing Mount Everest - Gary Johnson

Governor Gary Johnson talks to an audience about climbing Mt. Everest in 2003 (Part 1 of 5).

Bring the Troops Home!

Both Obama and Romney promise to keep our troops in Afghanistan, being maimed and dying for no real purpose. Gary Johnson promises to bring them home immmediately.

Gary Johnson - Actually Different Than the Other Candidates. Really.

Another video from a Gary Johnson supporter :

Rights or Commodities

Is health care a right? How about food? Shelter? Cars? What are rights? Bill Whittle explains the difference between rights and commodities. He also explains what happens when we confuse the two.

All You Have to do is Vote for Him

A video from a Gary Johnson supporter :

Shovel Ready Jobs

Ron Paul: I Can't See a Difference

Ron Paul interviewed on Morning Joe June 20, 2012. Paul doesn't see a difference between what we get with a Republican president versus a Democratic president.

Long Form Interview with Gary Johnson

Israel Anderson of Ron Paul FLIX interviews Gary Johnson.

Fixing the Debt and Deficit Problem

From ReasonTV:

On June 12, 2012 Gillespie and Welch used short, rapid-fire videos to
answer dozens of reader questions submitted via email, Twitter, Facebook,
and Reason.com.

In this episode, they answer the question:

"What is the libertarian plan for fixing the debt and deficit problem? Not
generalities, but specific points"

All Words Have There Place But Don't Overuse Them

Great commentary by Lionel on the proper use and the misuse of words.

Liberty Needs All of Us

Gary Johnson!

Libertarian Party's Role

From ReasonTV:

On June 12, 2012 Gillespie and Welch used short, rapid-fire videos to
answer dozens of reader questions submitted via email, Twitter, Facebook,
and Reason.com.

In this episode, they answer the question:

"What role do you see for the Libertarian Party as well as quasi-libertarian efforts
within the GOP going forward, particularly on a state level in a place like New
Hampshire where the Free State Project has had some success in the statehouse."

Uniting Libertarians????

Can Libertarians be united?

From ReasonTV:

On June 12, 2012 Gillespie and Welch used short, rapid-fire videos to
answer dozens of reader questions submitted via email, Twitter, Facebook,
and Reason.com.

In this episode, they answer the question:

"How do you plan on uniting various libertarians? Some of us are on the right, some on the left, many are atheist while some are religious (and socially tolerant) how do you keep the anarcho-capitalists in line with the moderate libertarians? And how do we convince people that we aren't anarchists who believe in rape, distribution of hard drugs, and zero regulation whatsoever?"

Voting for Gary Johnson

From ReasonTV:

On June 12, 2012 Gillespie and Welch used short, rapid-fire videos to
answer dozens of reader questions submitted via email, Twitter, Facebook,
and Reason.com.

In this episode, they answer the question:

"Is voting for Gary Johnson essentially helping Barack Obama get reelected?"

The Two Party is Over

Gary Johnson 2012

Do Not Endorse Mitt Romney

Update (6/14/12):Tom Woods talks briefly why he took down his recent video regarding Ron Paul where he encourages him not to endorse Romney and how he has new information stating he will not.




Tom Woods pleads for no endorsement of Mitt Romney by Ron Paul.



Gary Johnson will be the only liberty candidate on the presidential ballot this November, Vote Gary Johnson!

Implosion of The Houla Massacre Story — Is Anyone Paying Attention?

A good rule to follow is always be skeptical of ANY pro war propaganda:

Implosion of The Houla Massacre Story — Is Anyone Paying Attention?

Gun Ownership Goes Up, Crime Goes Down

From ReasonTV:

"Gun ownership goes up, crime goes down...that's how it works," explains Washington Times senior editor and recent gun owner Emily Miller.

After being the victim of a home invasion, Miller was determined to take advantage of the 2008 Supreme Court ruling striking down Washington, D.C.'s handgun ban. Miller initially thought the process of purchasing a firearm "would just be a hassle for a couple of weeks," and decided to blog her experiences at washingtontimes.com. After four months, countless headaches, and hundreds of dollars in fees, Miller is now legally able to own her Sig Sauer P229 9mm, so long as she keeps it in her home.

Miller joined Kennedy at Sharp Shooters in Lorton, VA to discuss DC's Byzantine gun laws, the surge in female gun ownership, and how she choose her firearm.

America Should be Fed Up

Lionel comments on the myth and illusion of the Fed.

Obama the Pot Smoker, National Donut Day and Banning Pop

Politicians and hypocrisy. From Reason TV:

"In the same week that NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg was pushing the idea [of banning super-size soft drinks] he also celebrated National Donut Day with the world's largest box of Entenmann's donuts that were the size of manhole covers," says ReasonTV's Nick Gillespie. "And that's OK, but God forbid you get that 17-ounce soda."

Gillespie joins Reason Magazine's Matt Welch and KFI DJ Kennedy for a wide-ranging discussion of the hypocrisy of the proposed soda ban, the real lessons of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's recall victory, and the revelation that our drug-fighting commander-in-chief Barack Obama was once a "puff-puff passer."

Rand Paul and the Plutocrats

Lew Rockwell comments on Rand Paul's endorsement of Mitt Romney.

The Right is Wrong, The Left is Wrong

Lionel pleads with Jon Stewart to ignore who is proposing a policy, but instead to look at the facts of the policy.

Chuck Schumer is a Zombie Cannibal

The latest political hoopla that of course draws demagogue Charles Schumer to propose a law!!!! The guy is a total a--hole.

From ReasonTV:

Bath salts. They're turning people from Miami to Maryland into flesh-eating hulks and the synthetic concoctions that are sold as insect repellent and plant food have supposedly singlehandedly set off the zombie apocalypse.

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, fresh off his victory in banning caffeinated alcoholic beverages like Four Loko, is hell-bent on banning so-called bath salts. The senator, who in the past has tried to regulate the price of Coca Krispies, Count Chocula, and other breakfast cereals, also wants to outlaw fake pot, too - because the war on real pot is going so swell.

It all started on a Florida offramp in broad daylight when a car-washing Bible-thumper snapped, allegedly under the influence of zombie dust. The story soon eclipsed the presidential election and Miley Cyrus' lack of underwear as the most important issue in the country.

There was an immediate obsession with the substance that "caused" this unnatural act.To date, there's no evidence that Sunshine State face-chewer Rudy Eugene was in fact whacked out on bath salts. The Miami Mauler had been arrested at least eight times since he was 16 and had threatened to kill his Mom on at least once violent occasion.

Here's the problem with banning "synthetic methamphtemine" - or the real thing, for that matter: There are an infinite number of ways that natural and artifical drugs can be combined, married and sewn together to get a user higher Matthew McConaughey on any given Monday. Science will always be one step ahead of the legislative process, so as quickly as a chemical compound is banned, four more will spring forth from crafty laboratories eager to pacify those seeking a quick fix.

But...but...but...bath salts make you a zombie cannibal, don't they? You can hear the Sen. Schumers of the world ask that question. But hardly The other two cannibalism stories in the news don't involve bath salts or naked zombies. The Canadian porn star who hacked up his friend, ate his bits, then sent appendages on a tour of the Canadian Postal Service is more gruesome than Celine Dion's entire discography, but the guy was clothed and sober. The kid in Maryland who ate the heart and brain of his Ghanian roommate was also not on the salts, and he too was clothed.

So instead of banning bath salts, how about enforcing the existing ban on zombie cannibalism? And if we can't do that, can we at least ban opportunistic, incompetent legislators?

Oh, Calgon, take me away!

Gary Johnson with Jon Stewart

Gary Johnson appeared on the Daily Show on June 5, 2012.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Gary Johnson
www.thedailyshow.com
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Industrial Hemp: George Washington's Favorite Crop

Industrial Hemp, a victim of drug war hysteria.

From ReasonTV:

"The main goal [of Hemp History Week] is to try to bring back hemp farming in the United States again," explains Eric Steenstra, President of the nonprofit advocacy group Vote Hemp.

Once hailed as a "New Billion Dollar Crop" by Poplar Mechanics, hemp farming was effectively shut down in the United States over confusion with its genetic cousin, marijuana. Though hemp carries no psychoactive properties, the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act defined hemp a a narcotic and that wording was subsequently adopted into the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Current laws allow the importation of industrial hemp from outside the U.S., leading to an ever expanding list of hemp related products, but denies would be hemp-farmers the ability to grow industrial hemp on American soil.

Steenstra sat down with Reason.tv's Nick Gillespie to discuss the legislative fight to lift the ban on cultivation, hemp's long history in America, and why hemp lube is just one of the many benefits associated with the plant.

Revolution 2: We The People are ready to LIVE FREE!

Gary Johnson calls on all Americans fed up with the status quo to unite and support him this November. Gary Johnson says while we will never all agree on the small things, we can agree on the big thing: our leaders have blown it.

Two-term Governor, Gary Johnson, says both parties are indistinguishable from one another. Both are keeping America broke. Both are keeping America at war. Both have trampled on the Constitution. And both are stooges to the same big money players that never change behind the scenes. It's time to put our differences and our parties aside and come together as a nation for the good of all. We The People are ready to LIVE FREE.

See secret message at 2:02.

More War Drums

Congressman Ron Paul comments on the ever present war drums in Washington D.C., this time for Syria.

War Drums for Syria?

War drums are beating again in Washington. This time Syria is in the crosshairs after a massacre there last week left more than 100 dead. As might be expected from an administration with an announced policy of "regime change" in Syria, the reaction was to blame only the Syrian government for the tragedy, expel Syrian diplomats from Washington, and announce that the US may attack Syria even without UN approval. Of course, the idea that the administration should follow the Constitution and seek a Declaration of War from Congress is considered even more anachronistic now than under the previous administration.

It may be the case that the Syrian military was responsible for the events last week, but recent bombings and attacks have been carried out by armed rebels with reported al-Qaeda ties. With the stakes so high, it would make sense to wait for a full investigation -- unless the truth is less important than stirring up emotions in favor of a US attack.

There is ample reason to be skeptical about US government claims amplified in mainstream media reports. How many times recently have lies and exaggerations been used to push for the use of force overseas? It was not long ago that we were told Gaddafi was planning genocide for the people of Libya, and the only way to stop it was a US attack. Those claims turned out to be false, but by then the US and NATO had already bombed Libya, destroying its infrastructure, killing untold numbers of civilians, and leaving a gang of violent thugs in charge.

Likewise, we were told numerous falsehoods to increase popular support for the 2003 war on Iraq, including salacious stories of trans-Atlantic drones and WMDs. Advocates of war did not understand the complexities of Iraqi society, including its tribal and religious differences. As a result, Iraq today is a chaotic mess, with its ancient Christian population eliminated and the economy set back decades. An unnecessary war brought about by lies and manipulation never ends well.

Earlier still, we were told lies about genocide and massacres in Kosovo to pave the way for President Clinton's bombing campaign against Yugoslavia. More than 12 years later, that region is every bit as unstable and dangerous as before the US intervention – and American troops are still there.

The story about the Syrian massacre keeps changing, which should raise suspicions. First, we were told that the killings were caused by government shelling, but then it was discovered that most were killed at close range with handgun fire and knives. No one has explained why government forces would take the time to go house to house binding the hands of the victims before shooting them, and then retreat to allow the rebels in to record the gruesome details. No one wants to ask or answer the disturbing questions, but it would be wise to ask ourselves who benefits from these stories.

We have seen media reports over the past several weeks that the Obama administration is providing direct "non-lethal" assistance to the rebels in Syria while facilitating the transfer of weapons from other Gulf States. This semi-covert assistance to rebels we don't know much about threatens to become overt intervention. Last week Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said about Syria, "I think the military option should be considered." And here all along I thought it was up to Congress to decide when we go to war, not the generals.

We are on a fast track to war against Syria. It is time to put on the brakes.

We Have to Act Now

Harry Browne, Libertarian Presidential nominee in 1996 and 2000, stated back in 1996 that we didn't have 20 years to do something about our financial problems. Of course we didn't listen and we are even in worse shape now. It's getting late, we must act now. Vote for Gary Johnson and Jim Gray!




Harry passed away on March 1, 2006.

The Inbred "Royal" Family

I never, ever get why anyone cares about the British "royal" family or any other royal family. How did these families become "royal"? Why their ancestors were the most brutal thugs hundreds of years ago and they killed their opponents. Since then they have all bred with each other and are now all related. They do nothing of real use, live extravagant lifestyles thanks to taxes paid by the common folk. It is time to get rid of all royalty supported by the public. Let them fend for themselves.

Here is Lionel with great commentary on how idiotic it is to royalty:

Righteous Outrage

Illinois State House member Mike Bost expresses his righteous outrage on being required to vote on a 300 page bill that he was only given ten minutes before the vote. This is the standard practice in the ever so corrupt Illinois. It is also the common practice in the US Congress.

More here.

It's About the Constitution, Stupid

From Gary Johnson 2012:

Both parties are indistinguishable from one another. Both are keeping America broke. Both are keeping America at war. Both have trampled on the Constitution. And both are products of the same big money players that never change behind the scenes. It's time to give the elephants and donkeys a little company. We the people are ready to let Washington know the TWO-PARTY IS OVER.

Pay close attention at the 2:26 mark.

More Nonsense: LA Bans Plastic Bags

Coming soon to LA disease caused by using reuseable cloth bags.

From ReasonTV:

Plastic bags: faithful transporters of groceries, liners of wastebaskets, pickers-up of dog crap and inspirers of late nineties Hollywood screenwriters, now banned from grocery stores by the Los Angeles City Council. But why?

Reason.tv's Kennedy paid a visit to LA City Hall to find an answer to that question. Council members stood by the ban, despite being confronted with evidence that bag bans have no discernible effect on the health of the environment and make up less than 1 percent of California's waste stream.

"When you're looking at 1 percent, that's a huge difference," says Councilman Alarcon, who voted for the ban.

Reason contributor Jay Beeber points out that a similar ban in San Francisco failed to reduce the small number of plastic bags actually littering the street.

"This is just feel-good legislation," says Beeber. "It's not going to solve any problems, but it makes people think that we've done something."

Still, council member Tom LaBonge feels that he served his district well by outlawing plastic bags at grocery stores.

"That one percent [of plastic bags in the waste stream] pollutes the river," says LaBonge. "You want to go out to the river with me? I'll show it to you."

Protecting Us from Honor Students

Diane Tran,  a 17-year-old 11th grade honor student from Willis High School, spent a night in jail after she missed school again. Tran was in Judge Lanny Moriarty court for truancy a month earlier and he warned her then to stop missing school. But she recently missed classes again so, he issued a summons and had her arrested in open court when she appeared. Tran works a full-time job, a part-time job and takes advanced placement and dual credit college level courses. Tran said she is often too exhausted to wake up in time for school and arrives after attendance has been taken. Sometimes she misses the entire day.The judge ordered Tran to spend 24 hours in jail and pay a $100 fine.

So Tran, who apparently, is doing quite well in her classes and is assuming more then her share of responsibility is being punished for missing seat time. Basically what this sentence says is that seat time at the mandatory school is what is important, not how one is performing. More zero tolerance nonsense from our ruling class.

Repeating Not Reporting, Syria Ain't Libya

Lionel comments on the situation in Syria and how the mainstream media simply repeats the script they are handed by our government. He points out that as he said earlier this year, the rebels in Libya included al-Qaeda and the al-Qaeda flag now flys over the courthouse in Benghazi. The presence of al-Qaeda in the Libyan rebels was never reported on by the mainstream media.

Taking Property Without Compensation Through Zoning

From ReasonTV:

In the northernmost reaches of California's Ventura County, a two-lane rural road called Highway 33 runs into the rugged and mostly undeveloped Transverse Mountain Range. Though it's mostly raw wilderness, a few businesses catering to adventurous explorers have long existed there, some for more than a century.

But now the local government is shutting those businesses down, one by one, using arcane zoning and building-code laws to get the job done.

"If there isn't someone complaining, and there isn't really a serious public health and safety issue, why do they spend so much of their time pursuing these kinds of cases?" asks Lynne Jensen, executive director of the Ventura County Coalition of Labor and Business (COLAB).

Tom Wolf owns the Pine Mountain Inn, a restaurant that's been serving biker groups and local community organizations since the 1930s. Wolf temporarily had to shut the doors when he suffered a heart attack in 2002, and he was never able to reopen when the county informed him that his property had been rezoned as an "Open Space" back in the 1980s without his knowledge.

"[The county] wanted everybody out of here," says Wolf. "And they wanted a complete open space with nothing but deer and frogs... and no people."

No matter how hard Wolf tried to comply with the ever-changing codes, the county just wouldn't relent, at one time even ordering him to remove a chicken coop that had never actually existed on the property.

Wolf isn't alone, says Jensen. Several other small businesses along Highway 33 have been hit by multiple county agencies for no apparent reason.

"They had every department hit us with violations to make sure that they shut us down," says April Hope, who, along with her husband Bob, owns a bed and breakfast called The Wheel, which has existed in the area since the 1890s.

Since the Hopes purchased The Wheel in early 2000, they've never been able to open it to the public. While officials from the county supervisor's office and the planning department refused to speak with ReasonTV for this story, Jensen says that the county is using code enforcement to drive these businesses off the land without compensation.

"This rezoning is really a way to get around eminent domain, because eminent domain means you give up your entire property. And here, you only give up part of your rights," says Jensen.

Invoking eminent domain to seize private property would not only require the county to compensate landowners, but also to demonstrate that the taking served a "public use."

"They have been very successful in taking people's property in a number of different ways without compensation as long as they don't take ownership of it," says Jensen.